Top Things to Do in Kamas, Utah

Discovering Kamas

Tucked at the foot of the mighty Uinta Range, Kamas is a laid-back gateway town just 45 minutes from Salt Lake and 15 miles outside Park City.

With roughly 2,000 residents, it still feels more “howdy, neighbor” than “hey, tourist,” yet it’s the last full-service stop before the big mountains.

That balance—quiet Main Street charm plus quick access to world-class outdoor activities—makes Kamas one of the best bases for a perfect day (or weekend) exploring northern Utah.

History and Culture of the Town

Settled by ranchers in the 1860s, Kamas grew up on timber, wool, and dairy. You can still see the old-school ranching DNA in 4H shows and the smell of fresh-cut hay drifting across the valley. Locals joke that the town’s unofficial perfume is “fresh pine with a hint of cow.”

Summers bring Friday-night music at High Star Ranch and small-town rodeos that draw a friendly crowd from all around Summit County. 

Getting Around Kamas

A car is your best friend here. SR-248 drops you into town, while the famous Mirror Lake Highway (SR-150) swings you straight into the Uintas.

Once you’ve parked, most shops, cafés, and the country store are an easy stroll, and there’s usually plenty of room to pack an extra cooler for jerky and fly-fishing gear.

Things to Do in Kamas

State Parks, Lakes, and National Forests

Roll east and you’re in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, a 2-million-acre playground of alpine lake trails, granite peaks to climb, and crystal river canyons to fish.

Whether you’re casting for brookies on the Provo River, launching a boat on Crystal Lake, or backpacking to Ryder Lake, it’s all right here.

Bald Mountain, the loftiest trail near town, rewards you with a 360-degree view that’ll leave even seasoned hikers gawking.

Scenic Drives

The star drive is the 42-mile Mirror Lake Highway—a genuinely scenic byway that starts on Kamas’s Main Street, crests 10,715-foot Bald Mountain Pass, then drifts toward Wyoming.

The road winds past Mirror Lake itself (a classic canoe-and-picnic spot) before dropping to the state line. Take the morning light for jaw-dropping photos, and save the evening for that alpenglow glow-up. 

Other Outdoor Activities

Need more action?

Saddle up for horseback rides on Beaver Creek, rent an ATV for an all-day exploration of the forest backroads, or set up a backcountry basecamp for high-country fishing in the Uintas.

In winter, locals trade hiking boots for skins and head out on endless trails near town for backcountry turns, while snowmobilers ride powdery meadows that feel miles from any crowd.

Zoos, Aquariums and Museums

Kamas itself stays humble—no big zoos here—but a quick drive to Park City drops you at the Utah Olympic Park museum, where you can watch athletes huck off Nordic jumps or zip the bobsled track. 

Nearby Attractions

Park City

Ski bum by winter, mountain-bike mecca by summer, Park City needs little intro. Beyond the lifts, its historic Main Street packs art galleries, distilleries, and live-music joints—perfect for an evening out after a day trip to Kamas. 

Deer Valley Resort

If corduroy groomers and fancy on-mountain dining sound dreamy, Deer Valley Resort delivers luxe laps, summer concerts, and lift-served hiking. 

Park City Mountain Resort

The biggest lift network in the U.S. sprawls right next door, offering everything from family tubing hills to epic downhill mountain-bike flow trails. 

Utah Olympic Park

Test your nerve on the Comet bobsled, peek at 2002 Games memorabilia, or watch future Olympians train on the aerial water ramps. 

Local Food and Dining

Top Restaurants Around Kamas

Mirror Lake Diner is the town’s go-to hangout—grab a chicken-fried steak at sunrise or a bison burger after a day on Mirror Lake Highway.

A quick drive up the byway lands you at Samak Smoke House & Country Store, where peppered elk jerky and smoked trout make the perfect trail pack.

For evening brews and sunset valley views, The Notch Pub in nearby Samak pours Utah craft beers alongside hearty burgers and towering nachos.

Craving pizza? Summit Pizza Co. on Main Street turns out chewy New York–style pies and a skillet cookie sundae locals rave about.

If you’re up early, detour to Woodland Biscuit Company for plate-size biscuits dripping with jalapeño honey—worth every minute of the weekend line.

Exploring Local Farmers’ Markets

On summer Saturdays, the Kamas Valley Market pops up in nearby Oakley with local honey, sourdough, and live acoustic sets. It’s small, but the vibe is pure valley-farm friendly. 

Unique Culinary Experiences

For something quirky, book a ranch-to-table dinner at High Star Ranch where chefs plate Utah-raised beef while bluegrass rolls off the stage. Craft brewers from Salt Lake often pour guest taps, making it a fun evening to mingle. 

Events and Festivals in Kamas

Annual Events & Seasonal Festivals to Attend

Nothing screams local pride like July’s century-old Kamas Valley Fiesta Days—parades, rodeos, and fireworks lighting up the summer sky.

Local Celebrations and Gatherings

Smaller shindigs include winter snowmobile rallies, spring fly-tying workshops at the community center, and High Star’s free Thursday-night concert event series where you can spread a blanket on the Great Lawn and let the kids chase fireflies. 

Planning Your Trip to Kamas

Where to Stay: Hotels and Lodging Options

In-town lodging is limited to cozy B&Bs and the tidy Uinta Flat Hotel on Main. For more variety—think ski-in condos or boutique lodges—look 15 minutes up the valley in Park City or bunk lakeside at rustic U.S. Forest Service cabins.

Best Times to Visit Kamas

Late June through early October brings warm days, cool nights, and snow-free passes—ideal for that weekend getaway.

Winter visits reward powder chasers, but keep chains handy; the range roads close after big storms, and Mirror Lake Highway generally reopens around Memorial Day weekend. 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Kamas

Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Kamas, UT, scouting the next family trip, or just craving a peaceful destination to breathe mountain air, Kamas offers a variety of experiences without the hustle of neighboring resorts.

Pack a light jacket, plan a leisurely drive, and let this humble valley town surprise you.

Things to Do in Kamas FAQs

What are the most popular outdoor attractions around Kamas?

Mirror Lake, the Provo River, and hundreds of high-alpine ponds make fishing, paddling, and hiking the headline draws. The 42-mile Mirror Lake Highway is also one of Utah’s most scenic drives. 

Is Mirror Lake Highway open year-round?

No. Snow typically closes the pass from mid-November to late May. Always check UDOT before you plan your route.

Where can I grab a good meal after a long hike?

Locals rave about the biscuits at Mirror Lake Diner and smoked treats at Samak Smoke House just near Kamas. 

Are there kid-friendly activities in town?

Yes—easy nature walks along Yellow Pine Creek, Thursday-night concerts at High Star Ranch, and summertime rodeo nights during Fiesta Days keep the little ones entertained. 

Can I combine a ski trip with a stay in Kamas?

Absolutely. Park City Mountain and Deer Valley sit roughly 20 minutes away, letting you ski big-mountain lines by day and retreat to a quieter valley evening.